(a) In General.—Government rights in the design of a vessel, boat, or craft, and its components, including the hull, decks, superstructure, and all shipboard equipment and systems, shall be determined solely as follows:

(1) In the case of a vessel, boat, craft, or component procured through a contract, in accordance with the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 275 of this title.

(2) In the case of a vessel, boat, craft, or component procured through an instrument not governed by subchapter I of chapter 275 of this title, by the terms of the instrument (other than a contract) under which the design for such vessel, boat, craft, or component, as applicable, was developed for the Government.


Terms Used In 10 USC 8687

  • Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
  • Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
  • vessel: includes every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on water. See 1 USC 3

(b) Construction of Superseding Authorities.—This section may be modified or superseded by a provision of statute only if such provision expressly refers to this section in modifying or superseding this section.